Gardner, KS vs Ottawa, KS

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Ottawa is 28.6% cheaper than Gardner. With a cost index of 74 vs 95, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Ottawa to Gardner should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Gardner is $1,296/month compared to $949/month in Ottawa — a 37% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Ottawa is more affordable at $165,700 median vs $276,000.

Median household income in Gardner is $92,579 compared to $64,655 in Ottawa (+43.2%). While Gardner is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Gardner spend roughly 16.8% of their income on rent, less than the 17.6% in Ottawa.